Two years into pandemic, we’re better prepared to fight off virus variants
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 02, 2021
Despite the threat of the quickly spreading and highly mutated omicron coronavirus variant — which has just landed in the U.S. — we are safer than we were before the pandemic, some experts say.
California nursing home visitors must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2021
The state is requiring that all indoor visitors to skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare settings prove full vaccination or negative SARS-CoV-2 test results. Facility operators must have a plan...
Long-term care’s zeal for foreign nurses a ‘Band-Aid’ solution: researchers
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 05, 2023
In a new commentary, researchers likened long-term care organizations’ quest to entice immigrant nurses to using a Band-Aid to stop a hemorrhaging workforce wound.
SNFs have made great strides in preventing, treating COVID, docs say
By
Joe Bush
Oct 14, 2022
Nursing facilities are now highly skilled at preventing COVID-19 illness and staving off serious outcomes, said doctors in a panel discussion this week. But pandemic challenges linger.
CMS releases updated Phase 3 guidance
By
Danielle Brown
Jun 29, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Wednesday released updated guidance for nursing home surveyors as part of the Phase 2 and 3 Requirements of Participation.
Simulation training only a ‘partial solution’ for nursing shortage, LTC nurse leader says
By
Alicia Lasek
May 19, 2023
Nursing students in New York state will now be able to complete up to one-third of their clinical training through simulation experiences. But more investment will be needed to build back the workforce,...
As respiratory diseases spike, CDC urges clinicians to offer vaccines, antivirals
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 08, 2022
U.S. health officials have asked clinicians to help lessen the impact of an exceptional respiratory virus season on seniors and other vulnerable Americans.
Q&A: Maryland SNF joins ‘transformative’ palliative care study
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 07, 2022
Meadow Park in Catonsville, MD, will receive a $15,000 grant and gain the support of study partners in a palliative care program that it says will help change how the long-term care industry provides advanced...
Health officials take aim at hepatitis with $11B plan, HBV screening update
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 13, 2023
An $11 billion campaign has been proposed to eliminate hepatitis C infections. And the CDC has expanded its recommendations for hepatitis B screening to include all adults.
CMS to begin audits for schizophrenia coding, says citations will affect quality ratings
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 19, 2023
The agency will start auditing nursing homes this month to determine whether residents’ schizophrenia diagnoses are accurate and appropriately coded. A pattern of inaccurate coding may result in a quality...